Strong Style MMA and Training Center — Attraction in Broadview Heights

A quick review of Strong Style would not do it justice. So, here are a few reasons why SS is right for me, and it’s probably right for you:

The Programs: SS has everything you could ever need in a martial arts school / training center. They offer classes in boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, MMA, and Muay Thai. Whether you want to learn how to fight standing up, on the ground, or everywhere in between, SS has you covered. Whether you’re a true beginner or an elite fighter, they have the right programs and instructors for you.

The Instructors: They are elite. It’s that simple. The teachers have competed (or currently compete) as professional and amateur fighters. They know what works, and they know how to teach it. They are simply fantastic with my kids. Although the instructors are demanding (which I like), they strike the perfect balance between discipline and patience. My kids have only been there for four months and they love the instructors. They talk about Coach Ben, Coach Meg, Coach Byron, Coach Justin and others at home. They look forward to the classes in part because they like the teachers so much.

Not only are the instructors fantastic, there always are plenty of them to keep a low ratio of students to instructors. In the kids’ classes there usually are at least three instructors – which are enough to make sure all of the students get enough attention and individualized instruction.

The Facilities: When I first walked in I couldn’t believe the size of the place. There is a sea of mats along with two octagons and two boxing rings. I’ve not seen a facility like it. It doesn’t stop there. They also have a huge separate workout room used for group fitness classes and a large commercial gym. Their gym is better than the Bally’s gyms at which I worked out years ago. They have everything a serious gym needs – and more!

Value: Strong Style offers value that can’t be touched. Yes; their pricing structure is fantastic. But, that’s not the whole story. Perhaps you’ll find another school that has prices comparable to SS. Here’s what you won’t find: one that offers the incredible number of programs, classes and workout options at SS. SS offers outstanding value!

Humility / Respect: You may think this one is strange, but here’s what I mean. For a gym that trains professional fighters, you’d think there would be a “tough guy” vibe. And you’d be completely wrong. The instructors and fighters are so respectful and laid back. No one there is trying to prove anything. They help each other and lift each other up. Everyone is so courteous.

Family: There’s a real family atmosphere there. Although we’ve only been members for four months, it feels more like four years. It’s so easy to get to know people at SS. Not only that, there are people from every walk of life. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student, no one cares. Whether you’re incredibly fit or taking your first steps on the path to being in better shape, no one cares. Whether you’re young or old, confident or a little nervous, strong or weak, it doesn’t matter. You’re part of the Strong Style family.

Summary: Mr. Marcus Marinelli and his staff have built something extraordinary at SS. I’ve spent time in a lot of gyms and martial arts schools over the last 30 years. Along the way, I’ve met great people and made friends. I’m grateful for those experiences. Maybe that’s what makes me appreciate SS so much. Although I’ve had a great ride along my martial arts journey, I didn’t know where that ride would take me. I’ve arrived at my final destination. Strong Style is that place. If I could summarize SS in one word it would...

The two individuals from Strong Style MMA and Training Center whom I am most disappointed with are Justin and Andrew. I came to know Justin a brief time ago because Andrew recommended him as a boxing coach even though I later learned that he was an amputee. After a little bit of phone tag, I finally made contact with Justin. Initially, he started bragging about his affiliation with the boxing legend Freddie Roach along with other famous boxers, which appeared to me as an embellishment of his credentials. If he appeared to be embellishing his credentials, I wondered what else was he embellishing. I did a cursory Google search of my prospective boxing coach and found out that Justin was affiliated with a 1%er motorcycle club (later confirmed by Andrew) and had an unsavory past. I was concerned that a man of this caliber was allowed to coach children, adolescents, etc. but I was still willing to give him a chance even though he was a motorcycle affiliate. I recall Justin informing me that he was going on vacation, and upon his return, he was going to call and confirm a tentative appointment for a free one-on-one boxing lesson. Unfortunately, he never called. I then decided to call him, and when I did, he refused to accept me as a trainee. I subsequently tried to address this concern with Andrew who did a standard public relations move. In an e-mail Andrew sent to me, he apologized for the "runaround" and then informed me that there were no trainers available, which is a contradiction from a statement that he made earlier about trainer availability at the gym. The following statement is a true account of the events that transpired to the best of my knowledge. Needless to say, I hope that any consumer wishing to do business with Strong Style MMA and Training Center think twice and consider joining another gym. If you decide to do business with this establishment, I hope your experience is better than mine. Disappointingly yours...

Since you decided to write a rebuttal, I believe that it is only fair that I have an opportunity to write one as well. First, the information about being an amputee is not private/confidential because Justin shared the information with me on the telephone as a prospective coach, which means he has no expectation of privacy. Second, I was willing to have Justin become my boxing coach despite being an amputee and motorcycle affiliate. Third, at no time did anyone at the gym refer to my calls as harassing. On the contrary, I called Andrew to try to understand why Justin changed his mind, and to follow-up on Justin’s suggestion to call Andrew to find another boxing coach at Strong Style. The only thing you got right was that I am not a member of your gym. Given my experience, I wouldn’t join your gym because of the unprofessionalism I have experienced from you and your staff. One last thing, there is no need to be defensive. After all, you wrote a response to another unhappy customer 3 months ago (see ThePlurals) who gave you a 1-star rated review that “all reviews are appreciated.” You seem to be contradicting yourself. If you decide to write a rebuttal to my rebuttal, expect that I will have a counter response. Otherwise, you will not hear from me again because I recently joined a professional gym elsewhere where members are...

Be very careful before signing a long-term contract with Strong Style MMA.

In December 2023, I requested to freeze my membership due to an upcoming medical procedure. I gave written notice before the billing cycle started and even offered to pay for the 30-day period. Despite that, they refused to freeze my membership unless I submitted a doctor’s note something that is not required anywhere in the contract for a freeze.

The only part of the contract that even mentions a doctor’s note refers to permanent disability or death for cancellation, not for a temporary freeze like in my case.

Back in 2021, they froze my membership without asking for any documentation, and I know other members who’ve had the same. So clearly, they apply their rules selectively and withhold help when it matters most.

Instead of treating me with fairness, they sent my account to collections for $860. This is not just poor customer service it feels like they're trying to profit off people's misfortune.

If you're considering joining, do not sign a long-term contract. They are not helpful, not transparent, and not flexible when life happens.

Update in response to the owner's reply: Thank you for your public clarification. Unfortunately, your response confirms exactly why this situation was escalated to formal complaints and legal channels.

Your enforcement of the policy was inconsistent and unjust. You state that a doctor’s note was required to freeze the account yet this was not mentioned in the contract and was never part of prior freezes. I have already spoken with other members who were not required to provide medical documentation, and I have their messages confirming this discrepancy. I’ve also retained emails between me and your management and will present them if this escalates to court or regulatory review.

Your reference to the 2023 contract’s “temporary disability” clause is misleading. That clause refers to cancellation, not freezes. My request was only to pause billing temporarily not to cancel. Additionally, you failed to clearly explain that a doctor’s note was required at the time of the request, and no follow-up efforts were made to clarify that before sending my account to collections.

Repeated emails about failed payments while ignoring my freeze request and failing to accommodate my situation only worsened my health condition, and put me under a huge stress. I’ve made sure to preserve every document, email, and message exchanged with you.

To others reading this: Be extremely cautious before signing a long-term contract with this business. Their policies are enforced selectively and without compassion, especially when you're going through a difficult time. Make sure you get everything in writing, because verbal or email promises can be...